Zambian boy-child poor exam results irk Chali Mulenga

Wednesday, 24th December 2025 Press Statement by Building Bridges for Change Foundation (BBCF) Executive Director, Chali Mulenga, Livingstone, Southern Province

BOYS’ EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE CALLS FOR URGENT INVESTMENT IN MALE MENTORSHIP – BBCF

Building Bridges for Change Foundation (BBCF) notes with deep concern the recently released 2025 examination results indicating that girls have once again outperformed boys across Grade Seven, Grade Nine, and the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

According to official data from the Ministry of Education, girls recorded higher pass rates in all major assessments. In the Grade Nine examinations, 158,698 girls (52.26%) outperformed 144,976 boys (47.74%), while PSLE results show girls achieving a 52.71% pass rate, compared to 49.87% among boys. The Grade Seven outcomes also reflect a similar trend.
While BBCF congratulates all candidates for their achievements, we are particularly concerned about the widening performance gap between boys and girls. These results highlight a growing national challenge: many boys are struggling academically, emotionally, and socially, requiring targeted intervention and support.

As an organisation dedicated to coaching boys into responsible, confident, and resilient men, BBCF recognises that the difficulties boys are facing today will have long-term impacts on adulthood, employment opportunities, social behaviour, and national development. When boys fall behind, communities fall behind.
BBCF therefore calls for:
1. Strengthened mentorship initiatives in schools and communities, tailored specifically for boys.
2. Enhanced psychosocial support systems to address behavioural and motivational barriers affecting boys’ performance.
3. Collaboration among government, educators, parents, and civil society to create safe and supportive environments for boys’ growth.
4. Reintroduction of life-skills and character-building programmes within learning institutions.
5. National policy dialogue to ensure both genders receive equitable opportunities and support, without allowing boys to lag further behind.
The 2025 results are not just statistics—they are a call to action. If timely and strategic interventions are not implemented, the nation risks long-term social and economic setbacks.
Building Bridges for Change Foundation remains committed to bridging this gap through coaching, leadership training, and providing positive male role models for boys in Zambia.
We invite all stakeholders to join us in ensuring that every boy has the guidance, discipline, and opportunities needed to succeed.

Contact Information
For inquiries or to donate, please contact:
Chali Mulenga, Executive Director
Building Bridges for Change Foundation
📧 buildingbridgesforchangefounda@gmail.com
📞 0979777136, 0955390898 / 0967

About Building Bridges for Change Foundation
Building Bridges for Change Foundation is committed to promoting character development, accountability, transparency, and community empowerment in Livingstone. Our work focuses on shaping boys into responsible young men capable of contributing positively to society.
Join us in creating positive change and supporting our youth.
Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Let’s give students the tools they need for brighter futures!